Agnes Ng’etich, Maurine Chebor set for epic showdown at Sirikwa Classic
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 11.02.26. | 20:49
This year’s Sirikwa Classic promises high drama as Kenya’s finest prepare to battle it out over Eldoret’s challenging terrain
Reigning World Cross Country champion Agnes Ng’etich is set to face rising star Maurine Chebor in what promises to be a thrilling senior women’s clash at this weekend’s Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour in Lobo Village, Eldoret.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Ng’etich enters the race as the defending champion, carrying momentum from a sensational start to her 2026 season.
The Kenyan powerhouse claimed her first global crown at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on 10 January, crossing the finish line in a stunning 31:28.
She unleashed a devastating finishing kick to leave Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek, who finished in 32:10, and Ethiopia’s Senayet Getachew, who came in at 32:13, trailing in her wake.
Chebor, who also represented Kenya in Florida, finished a solid eighth in 33:06 and will be eager to improve her standing against Ng’etich on home soil.
At last year’s Sirikwa Classic, Ng’etich dominated the field, clocking 32:42 to outpace Janeth Chepng’etich, who finished in 33:52, and Miriam Kibet, who completed the race in 34:09.
Her 2025 season was equally spectacular, highlighted by a women ’s-only 10km world record of 29:27 at the Adidas Adizero Road to Records in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
Chebor, while starting 2026 cautiously, enjoyed a remarkably consistent 2025.
She placed second at the National Cross Country Championships, finishing in 34:33, triumphed at the Nijmegen 5km in 15:01, and claimed third at the Tokyo 5km in 14:40.
Transitioning to the track, she secured second over 5,000 m at the Kip Keino Classic in 15:14.57, followed by third at the FAST5000 in Laffitte, France, in 15:00.09.
Her year peaked with victory at the National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret on October 25, finishing in 34:17 and securing her place in Florida.
While Ng’etich and Chebor will naturally dominate the spotlight, Lilian Kasait, the 2019 African 5,000 m bronze medallist, will be looking to upset the status quo.
Kasait comes into the race following a strong 2025, with half-marathon wins in Prague, 1:05:27, and New Delhi, 1:07:20.
Also in the mix is Rebecca Mwangi, national 5,000m champion, who will be aiming to bounce back after a 16th-place finish at the World Cross Country Championships earlier this year in 33:55.